What is Myofascia?

Fascia, or myofascia is the dynamic connective tissue which surrounds all of your muscles, covers your bones, and connects all organs in between. Myofascia can best be described as a complete body suit which runs from the top of your head down to the bottom of your toes. Like yarn in a sweater the entire body is connected to every other part of the body by the fascia. It is a continuous weave of material. Like a pull in a sweater, damage to an area of fascia can effect other distant areas in your body, even years later.  Perhaps you have encountered fascia when removing the skin from a chicken breast, the silvery tissue between the skin and the muscle is fascia. 

In its normal, healthy state the body's fascia is relaxed and soft. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.  When you experience physical trauma or inflammation, the body lays down more fascia to protect the area.  Over time, these extra layers can become tight, restrictive, and a source of tension throughout the rest of your body.  An effective treatment for this is Myofascial Release.

 

Myofascial Release: What to Expect

The pressure applied during a treatment can range from very gentle touch to firm, deep pressure. The pressure from Myofascial Release should never be beyond your tolerance and it is important to give feedback to your practitioner during the treatment.  Some patients receiving a Myofascial Release treatment may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation in the skin, which is perfectly normal and safe. Others may feel a gentle to deep stretch on the area being treated.

Myofascial Release was specifically designed to relax the fascia throughout your whole body.  Because tension in fascia can have an affect and/or cause pain in other areas, your therapist may treat other areas of your body to positively effect your treatment outcome. For example, your practitioner may work on the hips and low back to help reduce tension in the neck which in turn can cause headaches. This is the benefit of a whole body approach that makes Myofascial Release such an effective treatment.